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POEMS 


Copyright  1913 

by 
Arthur  Franklin  Fuller 


WETZEL  BROS.  PRINTING  CO. 
2110  Addison  St.,  Berkeley,  Cal. 


IB 


A  BOOK  OF 


POEMS 


BY 
ARTHUR  FRANKLIN  FULLER 


Seventh  Thousand 

Revised  and  Greatly  Enlarged 

Edition 


ANCHOR  PUBLISHING  CO. 
2110  Addison  Street 
Berkeley,  California 


CONTENTS 

LYRIC  POEMS 
Simple  Lyric 

In  Confidence 
Memory's  Solace    - 
Love's  Arch  - 

Thy  Face 

Songs  of  Cheer 
Help  Me  to  Win  Her      - 
A  Picture 

Waitin' 
Exultation 
Kathleen 
Sunset 

Songs  of  Yearning 

Yearning 

A  Heart's  Request 

Dependence 

Do  You  Ever  Think  of  Me  ?  - 

Impatience 

Love's  Hope1^;  _.*.  - 

"Songs  of  Pathos 

Lost         -/',  H  -*;  -- 
While  TKou'rt*  Away 
At  Parting      - 
Disappointment 
Constant        - 


Page 

8 

13 

89 

111 

15 
16 
46 
99 
101 
18 

76 
14 
39 
97 
100 
96 

78 
98 
42 
44 
62 


m 


m 


Lullabys 

Mother's  Song  - 
Father's  Song  - 
Possession  (To  a  Bride) 

Elegies 

Pass  On  Beloved     - 
A  Neglected  Garden        - 
An  Empty  Place     - 
Her  Irretrievable  Mistake 
Since  Thou  Art  Gone      - 

Odes 
Eula       - 
Death     - 
Heaven  - 

Hymns 

The  Gospel  Train 

A  Prayer         _____ 
How  Many  Voices  Call 
I  Will     - 
Watchers'  Song 

EPIC  POEMS 

Tales 

My  Little  Comforter       - 
An  Old  Maid 

Humorous  Narratives 
The  Joys  of  Summer        - 
An  Old  Staff 
Unregenerate  - 

The  Vacation  Problem    - 


60 
63 
47 

71 
73 
83 
29 
120 

49 
129 
131 

94 

82 

34 

112 

127 


40 

68 

103 

122 

117 

55 


265779 


Ballads 


The  Poet's  Prayer 
Money   - 
An  Undying  Grief 
Aunt  Susie's  Birthday 


A  Summer  Morning 
Twilight 


Idylls 


Pastoral 


By  the  Fire-place    -  - 

Sonnet  (Heroic) 
Fear       ------ 

Didactic 

What  Are  We  Living  For? 
What  is  Man? 
Duty 

Didactic  (Humorous) 
Retaliation     ----- 
Bud        -  ... 

The  Waning  Honeymoon 

Friendship 
Forget-Me-Not       - 
Consolation    ----- 
Friendship      ----- 
Gray  Ballad   -         -         -         -         - 
Good-bye        ----- 


10 
22 
31 
74 

36 

38 


65 
119 

91 
52 
85 


80 
26 
87 

133 

116 
124 
114 
134 


1 


You  who  are  gentle,  generous,  kind, 

Will  care  to  own  this  book — 
Whose  sympathies  are  all  refined — 

Its  faults  will  overlook', 
You  will  love  the  aspiration 

Esteem  the  work,  the  thought — 
Your  warm  appreciation 

Is  all  thafs  wished  or  sought. 


7 


IN  CONFIDENCE 

Come,  take  me  to  your  den,  just  now — 

That  snug  retreat  from  formal  life — 
Where  each  thing  seen  doth  self  endow; 

Unhampered,  free  from  sordid  strife; 
Confusion  there  may  reign  supreme, 

But  still  the  soul  is  not  distrought— 
Is  true  and  frank  and  self-sincere — 

Where  time  and  space  'til  day  are  nought. 

Come  take  me  to  your  private  nook, 

And  there  unveil  the  thoughts  herein; 
Between  the  covers  of  this  book 

Perchance  some  note  to  yours  is  kin, 
And  you'll  forget  the  steady  grind 

Of  daily  toil  and  mental  groove — 
Some  solace  for  your  heartaches  find, 

And  honest  fellowship  approve. 


Come,  take  me  to  your  hallowed  place, 

Where  fervid  prayers  outspoken  be 
Expressed  with  every  pulsing  thought — 

Unvarnished,  simple — grandly  free! 
O  now  receive  your  humble  guest, 

And  find  yourself  as  sweet  received — 
And  thus  your  spirit  will  be  blest — 

These  Heart-Life  rhymes  be  soon  retrieved. 

Come,  take  me  to  your  quiet  nook, 

Make  welcome  there  your  humble  guest — 
Mayhap  within  this  modest  book 

Awaits  some  germ  of  peace  and  rest; 
Some  hint  of  grit  may  stir  your  blood — 

Your  soul  with  fire  and  hope  renew, 
And  thus  Tomorrow's  sunny  flood 

Bring  confidence  in  life — and  You. 


; 

y 


THE  POET'S  PRAYER 

I  prayed  my  Muse  to  fill  my  groping  mind 

With  inspiration  noble  and  supreme — 
That  I  might  elevate  and  help  mankind — 

Becoming  thus  a  loved  immortal  beam; 
"But  let  me  drink,  O  Fount  of  Art,"  I  cried — 

The  wondrous  waters  drunk  by  those  of  old, 
Whom  Fame  hath  crowned  e'en  after  they 
have  died, 

And  writ  their  names  in  letters  clear  and 
bold. 

"Give  me  an  understanding  spirit  too — 

A  mighty  power  of  influence  over  all — 
That  love  and  kindness,  health  and  comforts 

new, 
Shall  be  dispensed  where  e'er  my  words 

may  fall ; 

Injustice,  malice — let  me  root  them  out — 
Bring  beauty,  pureness,  goodness,  in  their 

place — 

Appreciation,  trust,  instead  of  doubt — 
Both  crime  and  war  would  my  work  then 
erase!" 


10 


Twas  thus  I  prayed — my  Muse  but  smiled 

and  said, 

"Thine  aspirations  grace  thee  well  my  son — 
Some   due  reward   shall   surely    crown   thy 

head — 

Repay  thine  industry — hard  toil,  well  done. 
But  it  is  not  for  thee  to  do  a  work 

As  great  as  thou  hast  asked  and  yearned 

to  do; 

I  tell  thee  gently  now  without  a  quirk, 
So  Time  can  leave  thy  vision  just  and  true. 

"Be  thou  content  with  that  I  deign  to  give — 
So  many  lives  are  spoiled  by  too  much 

ease — 

The  happiest  souls  are  those  who  love  to  live, 
Who  love  to  work  and  someone's  need  ap 
pease  ; 

If  thou  wilt  strive  with  all  thy  little  might, 
Wilt  labor  hard  with  hand  and  heart  and 

head, 
Thy  rhymes  may  gain  thee  lodging  for   a 

night, 
May  win  for  thee  a  crust  of  hardened  bread. 


11 


"If  thou  canst  be  a  mouth-piece  for  one  soul, 
Whom  pain,  despair  c»r  love  hath  stricken 

dumb, 

Canst  be  a  message — help  one  gain  a  goal, 
Give  comfort  to  some  heart  by  grief  made 

numb; 
Assure  one  fear-crazed  soul  that  nears  the 

brink, 
Death's  shoreless  river  leads  to  rest  and 

peace, 
No  soul  who  has  done  his  best,  here  needs  to 

shrink, 

The  hardest  strain  is  sometime  bound  to 
cease. 

"If  thou  canst  cheer  one  laboured  drooping 

heart, 
Canst  'rouse  the  best  in  one  by  shame  cast 

down — 

If  thou  canst  take  the  weaker  vessel's  part, 

Give  one  a  smile  in  place  of  worry's  frown; 

Then  thou  may'st  see  thou  hast  not  wrought 

in  vain — 

To  help  one  soul  get  nearer  to  his  God — 
To  strengthen  one  to  bear  his  bitter  pain, 
Is  worth  thy  while  my  son,  so  onward  plod" 


12 


¥ 
n 


MEMORY  S  SOLACE 

I  bless  Thee,  Father  Time, 

Despite  thy  varied  pace, 
Thou'st  let  me  know 

The  sunshine  of  her  face, 
And  hence  my  woe-tried  soul 

Can  brave  Tomorrow — 
Her  sweetness  Mem'ry  stored — 

From  thence  I'll  borrow. 

I  bless  thee,  Mother  Earth — 

Despite  the  changing  years 
Thou'st  held  thine  own 

And  lost  no  grace  by  tears; 
And  though,  both  Birth  and  Death 

Attend  Tomorrow, 
A  solace  Mem'ry  gives 

To  quell  man's  sorrow. 


II 


ill 


13 


A  HEART  S  REQUEST 

O  turn  me  not  away, 

The  quest  has  been  so  long — 
Life's  way  has  been  so  hard, 

The  tempest  strong. 

Receive  my  aching  heart, 
And  let  my  spirit  rest; 

Of  all  earth's  roses  fair 
Thou  art  the  dearest,  best. 

Take  thou  my  loving  hand, 
Hear  my  despairing  cry; 

Life's  bitter  turn  to  sweet, 
And  be  thou  ever  nigh. 

O  do  thou  understand, 
My  humble,  ardent  call; 

Open  thy  heart,  thine  arms, 
And  love  me  "Best  of  all. 


14 


HELP  ME  TO  WIN  HER 

Shine,  glorious  sun — smile,  cloudless  sky, 
Babbling  brook  cry,  tender  breeze  sigh, 

Plead,  mighty  ocean — you  may  stir 
Her  heart,  'til  I  win  her. 

Beam,  hopeful  face;  look,  sanguine  eye; 

Bound,  aspiring  heart,  at  joyous  pace. 
Exalted  mind,  her  praise  prefer — 

Lend  thine  aid  to  win  her. 

For  her  all  Nature  sings  a  song; 

For  her  this  glad  world  moves  along — 
What  raptures  in  her  presence  are! 

Help  me,  Heav'n,  to  win  her. 

Bedeck  thyself  with  colors  rare, 

Dame  Nature;  make  the  world  more  fair! 
Her  soul  expand — and  she  her  hand 

Shall  yield,  and  I  win  her! 


I 


A  PICTURE 

Your  limpid  eyes  with  kindness  glow, 
Your  voice  is  soft  and  sweet; 

Your  gentle  ways  refinement  show, 
And  make  your  charms  complete. 

Your  rose-lips,  damp  with  honey-dew, 
My  heart  with  yearnings  fill, 

While  precious  dreams  of  home  and  you 
My  soul  with  rapture  thrill. 

Your  tap'ring  arms  so  round  and  white, 
So  soft  and  warm  your  breasts — 

My  hungry  heart  swells  with  delight, 
And  now  contented  rests. 

Tis  sweet  to  hold  your  dainty  hands 

In  quietude's  retreat, 
While  coming  thence  at  joyous  pace, 

I  praise  thy  flying  feet. 


£    I 

I 


16 


Your  many  gifts  and  faults  so  few, 

Your  cultivated  powers 
Assure  appreciation  true, 

And  coming  pleasant  hours. 

Holy  that  temple,  top  to  toe, 

In  palace  or  lowly  cot — 
Though  miles  divide,  I  humbly  pray, 

That  thou  forget  me  not. 


17 


SUNSET 

My  sunset  love  is  passing  fair, 

The  golden  west  illumes  her  hair; 
Sunbeams  reluctant,  sink  to  rest 

And  make  rare  tints  on  the  sea's  broad 

breast. 
Her  crown  of  glory  is  more  grand 

Than  regal  crown  of  any  land; 
Can  this  poor  tongue  her  worth  recite? 

Describe  her  charm,  my  heart's  delight! 

My  sunset  love  is  wondrous  sweet, 

My  heart  enslaved  lies  at  her  feet. 
'Tis  joy  to  live,  conceive  and  know 

God's  boundless  good  for  Man  below. 
May  this  perverted  world  perceive, 

Though  dull  and  dense  it  aye  hath 

been, 
And  yield  the  homage  due  her  light, 

My  sunset  love,  good-night,  good-night. 


18 


My  sunset  love  hath  eyes  that  shine 

With  mildness,  mercy — gifts  divine; 
No  evil  things  engage  her  thought — 

Of  plot  or  plunder  she  knows  naught; 
With  her  no  games  for  bloody  gold — 

Of  selling  souls  and  being  sold, 
So,  godly  fair,  and  simply  bright, 

Heav'n  keep  my  sunset  love  this  night! 

My  sunset  love  hath  sunny  hair 

That  charms  away  my  weary  care; 
In  her  companionship  I  find 

Repair  for  body,  soul  and  mind; 
Ah,  all  is  well  when  love  is  near, 

To  soothe  and  comfort,  rest  and  cheer — 
Life  and  the  West  with  gold  are  bright, 

My  sunset  love,  good-night,  good-night. 


19 


My  sunset  love  hath  pearly  teeth, 

As  sweet  as  new-mown  hay  her  breath — 
Rose  petals  form  her  dainty  lips, 

My  soul  in  fancy  boldly  sips 
The  nectar  of  her  kisses  sweet; 

For  her  alone  this  heart  doth  beat — 
Her  angel  hands  are  soft  and  white, 

My  sunset  love,  good-night,  good-night. 

My  sunset  love's  dear  voice  to  me 

Is  sweeter  than  a  song-bird's  glee — 
Ignoble  impulse  flees  in  shame 

At  the  mere  mention  of  her  name! 
Her  flesh  is  soft  and  firm;  and  grace 

Of  movement,  outline,  give  her  place 
As  queen  of  queens — O  vision  bright! 

My  sunset  love,  good-night,  good-night. 


20 


And  thus  may  you  my  love  behold 

Templed  Life,  in  Beauty's  mold; 
Of  all  God's  creatures,  you'll  agree, 

The  fairest  of  the  fair  is  she! 
I  cannot,  would  not  think  nor  dream 

Of  anything  in  Earth  or  Heav'n 
Save  God  and  her,  my  life,  my  light, 

My  sunset  love,  good-night,  good-night. 


m 


MONEY 


Money  —  Money  —  Money  — 

Once  I  sought  the  jingling  hoard-stuff, 
Heard  its  siren  tinkle  sounding, 

Felt  the  lust  that  makes  men  battle, 
Disregard  all  save  achievement; 

Every  muscle,  nerve  and  talent, 
Bent  to  winning  sordid  treasures, 

Scorning  peace  and  homelier  pleasures, 
Blinding  eyes  to  Nature's  doings, 

Deafening  ears  to  song-bird's  wooings, 
Longing,  feverish,  for  that  great  hour, 

When  should  sound  at  their  dictation 
Siren  tones  that  conquer  most  men  — 

Make  them  slaves  as  I  have  been. 

Money  —  Money  —  Money  — 
Well  I  knew  its  magic  jingle, 

Sweet,  elusive  as  its  mother; 

Tameless,  lawless,  who  may  hold  her? 

Wings  she  taketh,  swift  and  silent, 
Leaving  subtly,  without  warning  — 


22 


Cruel  as  a  woman's  scorning. 

Money!  how  the  sound  did  lure  me — 
Made  me  bow  to  my  task-master, 

Fiercely  guard  each  hard  won  vantage — 
Long  it  baffled  my  endeavors; 

But  in  time  I  gained  the  summit — 
Formed  a  gold-tide,  watched  the  scramble — 

Made  a  test  of  what  'twould  buy  me. 

Money — Money — Money — 

Disapproving   frowns   now   vanished; 
Doors  that  had  been  closed,  now  opened — 

Haughty  ways  were  changed  to  fawning; 
Strangers  boasted  long  acquaintance, 

Pledged  their  everlasting  friendship; 
Balls,  receptions,  in  my  honor, 

Signs  of  favor  without  number, 
Sped  the  time,  fulfilled  my  longings, 

Turned  such  appetite  to  loathing; 
Satan  laughing,  scoffing,  sneering, 

Watched  the  fall  my  hopes  were  taking; 
All  this  lacked  the  ring  of  true  steel — 

Echoed  only  siren  tinkle. 


23 


Money — Money — Money — 

When  the  silly,  vapid  laughter 
Died  away  and  left  me  stranded, 

When  the  dance  had  turned  to  fool-play, 
And  the  dinners  changed  to  hell-feasts, 

When  I  saw  the  drifting  favor, 
Pierced  the  shallowness  and  pretense, 

Soft  I  heard  a  voice  of  music, 
Sounding  like  a  voice  from  Heaven; 

Knew  a  hand-clasp,  heard  the  joy-tone 
Of  a  heart's  sincere  devotion. 

Then  I  knew  that  gold  and  silver 
Bring  no  joy  to  feed  the  hunger 

Of  a  heart  that  yearns  for  trueness. 

Money — Money — Money — 

Blessed  be  the  day  you  left  me — 
Now  I  laugh  at  Satan's  luring; 

I  have  learned  the  truer  values — 
Count  my  treasures  in  the  tresses 

Gold  as  sunset — crowning  glory 
Of  a  vision  fair  as  wholesome — 

Mark  the  rubies  of  her  rose  lips, 


24 


Love  the  turquois  'neath  her  lashes, 
Love  the  smile  that  shows  her  pearl  teeth: 

Love  the  privilege  of  love-clasp, 

Love  her  graceful  form,  and  yielding; 

Love  her  sweet  ways,  loving  service, 
Love  the  blessing  of  her  nearness. 

Money — Money — Money — 

What  a  silly,  teasing  earth-god — 
Bringing  discontent  to  thousands — 

Bribing,  tempting,  cursing  many; 
Tinkle,  tinkle,  clinking  silver — 

Chime  your  sweetest,  yellow  gold-stuffs, 
I  have  treasures  far  above  you, 

Far  more  precious  than  you  all — 
I've  a  queen  that  knows  my  ardor, 

Loves  my  love  and  care  and  labor; 
Treasures,  treasures,  boundless,  worthy, 

Here  my  whole  heart  glad,  enslaved  is — 
Here  my  jewels,  gold  and  silver, 

Life  flows  peaceful  as  a  river. 


25 


I  know  a  little  nigger  boy 

Whose  name  is  simply  "Bud" — 
He  chaws  the  worst  tobacco 

And  keeps  close  friends  with  mud 
His  face  is  always  dirty, 

His  clothes  are  far  from  clean, 
And  such  a  rakish  fellow 

Your  eyes  have  never  seen. 

And  more  about  this  nigger  boy 

I'm  really  bound  to  tell, 
For  he's  a  sort  of  critter 

That  folks  like  none  too  well; 
Perhaps  you'll  thus  see  clearly 

Just  what  his  failings  are, 
And  hitch  your  better  notions 

To  a  higher  moving  star. 


This  fellow's  mighty  lazy 

An'  sleeps  most  all  the  time — 
Except  when  grub  or  mischief 

Invites  his  senses  fine. 
The  hair  is  black  and  kinky 

That  caps  his  bullet  head — 
His  loose  mouth  shows  his  "ivories' 

A  beauty-mark,  'tis  said! 

This  sorry  little  nigger  boy 

Is  never  seen  at  school, 
But  you  can  often  find  him 

Watchin'  men  play  pool; 
To  skip  off,  an'  go  fishin', 

He'd  even  miss  a  meal — 
His  tongue  is  glib  at  lyin', 

And  his  fingers  quick  to  steal. 


27 


o 


This  sorry  little  nigger  boy 
Is  sowing  brambles  now, 

And  as  the  path  gets  rougher, 
He'll  wonder  why,  and  how! 

'Twere  foolishness  to  tell  him 
That  ease  is  Nothingness — 

And  Manhood  comes  from  Effort- 
Brings  joys  he'd  never  guess. 

This  sorry  little  nigger  boy 

Had  ne'er  a  chance  like  you; 
But  shiftlessness  can  never  bring 

Results  both  good  and  true; 
So  hitch  your  wagon  boldly 

To  a  higher  moving  star, 
And  let  your  best  ambitions 

Sail  proudly  out  afar. 


28 


HER  IRRETRIEVABLE  MISTAKE 

I  know  that  thine  was  a  vehement  love, 

I  knew  my  beauty  woke  it  into  life, 
And  could  have  bought  a  life  of  heaven  with 
you, 

My  noble-hearted  lover,  steadfast,  true; 
Ease,  luxury,  all  the  world  deems  superfine, 

Enticed  me,  darling,  from  your  love  away; 
The  praise  of  many,  rather  than  of  one, 

Intoxicated,  lured  me  'til  I  chose. 

I  know  I  took  the  sunlight  from  your  life, 

The  darkness  made  thy  nature  grope  and 

droop, 
Til  crushed  and  bleeding  thy  patient  spirit 

Returned  again  to  the  God  who  gave  it. 
I  chose  the  husks — forsook  the  grain  so  rare — 

Exchanged  for  a  yoke  of  love  a  cross  of  care; 
My  heart,  my  life  is  empty;  and  I  cry, 

"To  gain  the  world  and  lose  love  is  to  die." 


1C 


29 


I  know  thy  soul  is  in  that  Paradise, 

Where  I  trust  is  comfort  for  thy  mourning — 
I  am  not  worthy,  having  spurn'd  your  love — 

That  you  should  even  pity  me,  my  king; 
I  have  drained  the  cup  I  preferred  to  take — 

Its  phantom  sweets  were  bitter  without 

love — 
If  you  were  only  here — but  you  are  gone! 

O  God  of  Heaven,  why  has  this  come  to 
pass? 

The  world  still  says  that  I  am  beautiful, 

With  lustrous,  wistful,  liquid  eyes  so  deep — 

With  dimpling  cheek  and  figure  fair  to  see — 

Would  God  these  charms  could  bring  you 

back  to  me! 
O  cruel  fate!    O  tender  memories! 

O  gentle  hands!    O  voice  of  yearning, 
Which  called  me  and  I  would  not  hear, 

Dear  Love, 

My  peace,  my  rest,  my  soul  are  gone  with 
you. 


30 


AN  UNDYING  GRIEF 

One  day  you  let  me  take  your  hand  so  white, 
Your  lustrous  eyes  assured  me  that  I  might; 
I  kissed  it  and  my  story  told, 

Of  love-starved  life,  and  heart-ache  old ; 
Felt  honored  and  favored  that  I  should  be 

Blessed  with  your  sweet  sympathy; 
By  your  mercy  only,  worthy  to  be  near 

A  woman  wholesome,  sweet  and  so  sincere. 

One  day  you  let  my  arm  slip  'round  your 
waist, 

As  through  the  fragrant  woods  old  paths 

we  traced; 
I  humbly  questioned  if  'twere  true 

That  I  was  walking  there  with  you; 
And  thrilled  in  happy  awe  to  hear 

Your  soft  assurance  we  were  near. 
Ah,  how  fond  recollections  make  one  sigh, 

For  departed  pleasures  and  days  gone  by. 


31 


; 


One  day  you  let  me  lay  my  weary  head 

Upon  your  breast — a  place  so  sacred, 
A  pillow  sweet.     I  recall  how 

Your  dear  hands  smoothed  the  hair  from 

my  brow; 
Your  rose-breath  above  me,  the  rise  and  fall 

Of  your  bosom  banished  all 
Heart- ache  and  fear;  O  what  cheer, 

Lullaby  haven,  resting  place  dear. 

One  day  you  let  me  take  you  in  my  arms — 

One  day  when  I  succumbed  to  your  charms; 
Your  graceful  form  so  yielding,  soft — 

Rapturous  moments!    blissful  contact! 
I  felt  that  having  you  life's  labors,  strife, 

Were  blest  means  of  wearying 
That  I  might  know  the  sweetness  of  your  rest 

And  everything  worth  while,  my  dearest, 
best! 


i 

i 


32 


I 


One  day  the  sun  grew  dark,  the  light  went 
out; 

Earth  echoed  my  heart's  desolation; 
Shrieking    winds,    through    winter-stripped 
trees — 

The  wolf- howl,  the  owl-screech,  yea  these 
Blood-chilling  sounds,  but  hint  of  the  anguish 

That  freezes  my  heart!    My  God — 
Why  can't  I  die?    My  joy,  my  rest  are  gone, 

And  I  must  face  Life  desolate,  alone! 


HOW  MANY  VOICES  CALL 

How  many  voices  call — 

How  long  'til  you  will  heed? 
Your  loving  mother  wrings  her  hands — 

In  anguish  prays  to  prove  your  need; 
She  knows,  as  you  will  one  day  know, 

The  baubles  you  so  madly  chase, 
Are  empty,  vapid,  dying  things, 

That  rob  of  Hope,  and  spoil  life's  race. 

Chorus : 
From  Calvary's  cruel  Tree, 

The  gentle  Savior  calls  you; 
"Your  soul  is  sinking,  sick  and  sore- 
Accept,  and  live  forevermore!" 


34 


How  many  voices  call — 

O'er  hill,  o'er  dale,  o'er  plain, 
Christ's  Living  Ministry  who  preach 

Good  news  of  peace,  and  joy  again: 
Awake  and  claim  your  heritage, 

For  shame!  that  you  have  scorned  so  long 
His  love — 'twill  give  you  all  that's  good 

And  fill  your  life  with  light  and  song. 

Chorus 

How  many  voices  call — 

The  patient,  Heav'nly  Dove, 
The  Holy  Spirit  ceaseless  strives 

To  make  men  know  God's  wondrous  love; 
Ah,  not  forever  will  He  plead 

And  strain  to  storm  your  hard'ning  heart, 
The  next  time  may  be  time  TOO  LATE, 

And  of  Salvation,  GONE — your  part! 

Chorus 


3-; 


A  SUMMER  MORNING 

First  along  the  eastern  sky 

A  golden  glow  is  seen — 
Clouds  and  shadows  speed  away, 

Grass  and  trees  show  green ; 
Flowers  and  other  vegetation, 

Yester-eve  forlorn, 
Stand  erect — a  glad  oration 

To  the  dew  of  morn. 

Roosters  make  exultant  call — 

Heralds  of  the  day — 
Birds  full  throated  glad  with  all 

Sing  as  song  birds  may; 
Nature  gives  revivication — 

Heaviness  is  gone — 
Earth  is  glad  with  expectation, 

With  the  approach  of  dawn. 


Beautiful  is  this  mundane  sphere — 

Best  at  early  morn — 
Ldvelier  in  her  virgin  state, 

Than  aught  which  man  can  form; 
Night-time  hints  of  dissolution — 

Day  and  hope  are  done — 
Life  and  noble  aspiration 

Dawn  with  Morning's  sun. 


37 


TWILIGHT 

At  last  the  tedious  day  is  at  an  end — 

The  long  cool  shadows  hush  the  world  to 
calm; 

The  grateful  quietude  of  twilight  hours, 
Distills  o'er  tired  earth  its  .restful  balm. 

From  out  the  clovered  meadows'  misty 

depths, 

The  lowing  kine  come  slowly  into  sight; 
The  circling  swallows  chirp  their  vesper 

hymn, 

And  hoof  and  feather  seem  to  welcome 
night. 

Anon  the  frogs  in  lusty  chorus  make 
Response  to  creeky  solos  from  the  trees; 

The  risen  moon  his  calm  approval  smiles 
To  star-lamps  all  in  place,  and  earth  at  ease. 


38 


DEPENDENCE 

O  what  is  life  but  labor'd  breath, 

And  ceaseless  strife  from  birth  'til  death? 
And  what  am  I,  that  I  should  dare 

Expect  to  find  a  welcome  there? 
Yet  dark  indeed  would  be  the  way, 

Did  Hope  not  whisper  every  day : 
"Strive  on — and  you  shall  surely  find 

Your  Counterpart  among  mankind!" 

O  what  is  life?    A  tear,  a  sigh, 

A  swift  caress,  and  then — "Good-bye". 
Deny  me  not — our  time  is  short — 

Earth's  joys  are  of  a  sorry  sort; 
And  only  Love  is  worth  the  while 

Of  care-worn  mortals,  pure  or  vile; 
All  know  their  pain  in  every  day, 

And  need  Love's  sun  to  bright  the  way. 


39 


MY  LITTLE  COMFORTER 

The  gusty  wind  moaned  sad  and  chill, 

The  autumn  sky  was  gray; 
But  love  can  warm  a  longing  heart, 

To  hasten  all  the  way. 

Her  dear  eyes  with  fulfillment  shone — 

I  clasped  her  to  my  breast — 
And  on  her  soft,  responsive  lips 

A  lover's  kiss  I  pressed. 

How  fast  our  happiest  hours  flash  by; 

How  deep  is  human  bliss; 
In  hours  of  woe,  let's  not  forget 

The  joys  we  did  not  miss. 

We  talked,  we  laughed,  we  sung,  we  dreamed, 

Our  inner  selves  communed; 
The  future  full  of  promise,  seemed 

To  music  sweet  attuned. 


i 


40 


I  know  not  if  her  throbbing  heart 

Shall  beat  again  on  mine, 
Or  if  her  glowing  face  on  me 

Will  beam  with  love  divine. 

I  know  not  if  these  hungry  arms 
Her  form  again  shall  hold — 

Nor  if  her  clinging  clasp  shall  me 
Within  its  circle  fold. 

Though  disappointments  strew  the  way, 

And  adverse  things  occur, 
Life's  crazy  patch-work  is  worth  the  while, 

Through  comfort  wrought  by  her. 


41 


AT  PARTING 

O  warden  fair,  of  treasures  rare, 
For  thee  my  heart  is  bleeding — 

0  maiden  sweet,  at  thy  dear  feet 
I  still  am  humbly  pleading; 

But  cruel  is  the  circumstance 

That  lets  aught  come  between  us. 

1  let  thee  go — thou  will'st  it  so — 
And  strife  shall  not  demean  us. 

Good-bye  to  thee — good-bye  to  hope — 

To  all  that  heart  could  long  for; 
Life's  rosy  day  hath  flown  away 

And  left  me  much  to  mourn  for; 
The  music  of  the  birds  and  streams, 

The  perfume  of  the  roses; 
Are  fraught  for  me,  with  thoughts  of  thee- 

Eve's  dream  of  morn  now  closes. 


42 


The  night  creeps  on — its  subtle  chill 

Within  my  heart  is  stealing — 
For  light  was  dear,  and  love  was  sweet, 

A  heav'n  of  bliss  revealing; 
But  thou  wert  far,  so  far  from  me — 

Love  could  not  bridge  the  distance; 
So  I  go  on — Woe's  prisoner — 

For  useless  is  resistance! 


43 


DISAPPOINTMENT 

They  said  that  years  would  bring  me  joy — 

And  years  indeed  have  quickly  flown; 
But  where's  the  bliss  without  alloy — 

The  treasures  I  should  call  mine  own? 
And  where's  the  silver  to  the  clouds — 

The  harvest  for  the  labor  wrought? 
And  where's  the  comfort  that  I  deemed 

Would  sure  be  mine  if  bravely  sought? 

I'm  hungry  for  a  little  love — 

I  thirst  for  that  I  deem  my  right; 

My  grief-worn  heart  its  sigh  exhales, 
And  yearneth  for  you  day  and  night. 


44 


The  ocean  in  majestic  turn 

Sends  foam-capp'd  waves  from  shore  to 

shore — 
As  ceaseless  in  my  lonely  heart 

Arise  Hope's  ghosts  forevermore. 
Ah,  sad  the  smile  that  hides  the  wrecks — 

The  clinging  clasp  would  fain  retain — 
For  God  in  heaven  only  knows 

If  even  dreams  may  come  again! 

I'm  hungry  for  a  little  love — 

I  thirst  for  that  I  deem  my  right; 

My  trembling  soul  in  anguish  waits, 
And  craves  response  through  day 
and  night. 


45 


WAITIN' 

When  I  see  my  darlin'  comin' 

Thru  the  rustlin'  summer  leaves, 
On  the  laden  boughs  a-swingin' 

To  the  music  of  the  breeze, 
Seems  to  me  that  folks  must  know  it, 

An'  I  blush  from  top  to  toe, 
But  I  ain't  ashamed  to  show  it — 

That  I  luv  my  darlin'  so. 

He's  my  Bonnie — he's  my  Laddie, 

He's  my  own  soft-hearted  John, 
An'  he's  strong,  an'  kind,  an'  honest, 

He's  a  true,  good  mother's  son; 
I  kin  see  his  face  a-beamin' 

An'  my  soul  is  filled  with  glee, 
'Cause  I  see  my  darlin'  comin', 

Comin'  glad,  an'  straight  for  me. 


46 


POSSESSION 

"Marriage  is  honorable  in  all."  (  Heb.  13:4.) 
"Rejoice  with   the  wife  of  thy   youth  and   be  thou 

always  ravished  with  her  love."     (Prov.  5:19.) 

"Let  every  man  have  his  own  wife  and  every  woman 

her  own  husband."     (I.  Cor.  7:2.) 

O  sleep,  gentle  lady,  and  sweet  be  your  dreams — 
This  world,  since  I  found  you,  a  Paradise  seems; 
No  one  else  shall  e'er  lie  where  you  pillow  your  head — 
Only  yours  is  the  comrade  who  rests  in  your  bed — - 
So  sleep,  gentle  lady. 

So  gently  I'll  smooth  back  these  stray  wisps  of  hair, 
It  will  not  disturb  you — I'll  surely  take  care; 
And  when  in  the  morning  your  dear  eyes  first  peep, 
You'll  see  that  I  love  you,  awake  and  asleep — 
So  sleep,  gentle  lady. 

It  is  worth  while  to  love  when  you're  loved  in  return, 
The  lamp  of  Sincerity  ever  to  burn; 
So  I  draw  you  still  closer  with  a  prayer  to  our  God: 
"Let  naught  come  between  us  'til  we're  laid   'neath 
the  sod!" 

Sleep  on,  gentle  lady. 


47 


i 


My  hands  love  to  pass  o'er  your  dear  graceful  form, 
And  bless  your  white  satin  so  tender  and  warm; 
Your  breath  is  so  fragrant,  your  kisses  so  sweet — 
I  guessed  it — and  that's  why  I  knelt  at  your  feet — 
Stay  close,  pretty  lady. 

Too  soon  day  will  come,  dear — for  awhile  we  must 

part — 

When  night  falls,  come  nestle  again  o'er  my  heart; 
God  grant  you'll  ne'er  want  aught  I  cannot  bestow — 
Though  years  make  us  older,  we'll  still  closer  grow — 
Stay  close,  gentle  lady. 

Home-maker!     All  my  love  and  my  sympathy,  too, 

Are  yours — I  appreciate  all  that  you  do; 

Little    wife — compensation   for    the   stones    in    life's 

way — 

May  I  ne'er  be  less  worthy  than  now  when  I  say, 
Stay  close,  gentle  lady. 

May  your  dear  breasts  ever  touch  me — may  your 

limbs  never  stray, 

Very  far  from  the  lover  who  claims  you  today; 
May  we  be  "pals"  forever — gain  heaven  at  last; 
When   our   sojourn   as   children — our   schooling — is 

past — 

Stay  close,  gentle  lady. 


- 


48 


EULA 

Eula  means  sweet.    Ah,  sweet  indeed  was 

she— 

A  lily  from  God's  own  garden,  given  me; 
She  well  deserved  to  wear  the  dearest  name, 
That  human  lips  and  tongue  could  ever  frame; 
In  disposition,  person,  conduct,  life, 
She  earned  her  name — my  dainty  little  wife — 
Dear  God — how  can  I  bear  this  heavy  cross — 
This  bursting  pain—  this  breaking,  bitter  loss? 

Eula  was  sweet.     Many  sweethearts  had  I 

known, 

Before  she  let  me  have  her  for  my  own — 
Each  one  in  turn,  I  had  idealized — 
Adored  the  creature  Fancy  had  disguised; 
Paid  each  my  court — used  every  ardent  word, 
To  tell   what  strong  emotions  had  been 

stirred ; 

But  fickle  or  false  were  all — 'til  Eula  stood 
And  justified  my  faith  in  womanhood. 


49 


Ah,  'twas  sweet — when  torn  with  life's  fierce 

storms, 

To  gain  the  love-locked  harbor  of  her  arms, 
And  there  upon  her  graceful,  cushioned  breast, 
To  steep  my  soul  in  peace  and  joy  and  rest; 
In  every  phase  of  life,  one  must  be  steeled 
To  loss — 'twixt  promised   harvest  and   the 

yield — 
Eula  looked  full-laden — proved  to  be  much 

more — 
All  I  could  need,  and  yet  a  boundless  store! 


Eula, 


Every   nerve   and   fiber 


my   sweet! 

yearns 

To  have  you  back.     In  vain  my  spirit  turns 
And  gropes  about  to  seize  its  lost  estate, 
And  feel  again  your  nearness,  precious  mate; 
The  world  cares  nothing  for  one  s  torturing 

woe — 

Bear  up,  my  heart —  bear  up,  and  onward  go! 
The  saddest  tale  is  that  none  will  believe — 
The  deepest  grief  no  weeping  can  relieve. 


50 


!B 


Eula  was  sweet.    I  tell  you  ladies,  sirs — 
I  never  saw  a  sweeter  smile  than  hers — 
Had  Angel  Death  but  waited  for  her  word, 
Heaven's  joys  a  period  she  would  have  de 
ferred, 

And  stayed  a  while  with  me — she  loved  me  so, 
I  know  full  well,  'twas  hard  for  her  to  go; 
No  other  loss  could  make  one  feel  so  odd 
In  this  brief  life — except  he  lose  his  God. 

Eula  all  sweet!    Dear  God,  heed  if  you  can, 
The  prayer  of  this  poor,  blundering,  sinful 

man — 
Since  now  there's  nought  my  feeble  strength 

can  do, 

O  mighty  Jesus,  see  my  darling  through; 
Though  nothing  in  her  hands  my  loved  one 

brings, 

Accept  my  humble  witness,  King  of  Kings, 
And  give  my  loyal  queen  an  honored  place, 
Where  she  may  ever  view  Thy  holy  face. 


51 


WHAT  IS  MAN 

I  sat  me  down  by  the  wayside 

To  watch  the  passing  throng 
And  guess  at  the  varied  interests 

That  moved  each  one  along. 
I  saw  the  young  and  simple 

Who  flirt  in  wanton  glee — 
The  hurrying  man  of  business 

As  serious  as  could  be. 

I  sat  me  down  by  the  wayside 

To  note  the  crowd  and  din, 
Where  haste  keeps  ever  silent 

The  still,  small  voice  within; 
For  minds  that  brim  with  conquest 

Forget  what  is  right  and  wrong — 
And  hearts  that  seethe  with  lustings, 

Unreasoning,  drift  along. 


52 


Behold  th'  approaching  master! 

With  pompous  ways  supreme — 
Perhaps  he's  just  created 

A  Universe,  I  ween! 
Now,  what  is  God  beside  him 

Who  struts  so  proud  and  chill — 
Omnipotence  is  nothing 

When  one  has  Power  to  Will! 

O  vaunting,  crumbling  castle, 

O  sod  that  stalks  so  fine — 
Where  didst  thou  get  thy  power, 

Thy  intellect  sublime? 
Well  friend,  just  let  me  tell  thee 

A  Truth  that  thou  shouldst  know- 
Thou  mayst  be  wise  and  mighty, 

But  such  had  e'en  to  grow. 


53 


Now  listen,  self-fooled  debtor, 

And  learn  this  lesson  well — 
There's  nothing  so  important 

As  keeping  out  of  hell; 
Too  late  thou  mayst  discover 

Some  laws  must  honored  be — 
No  man  has  e'er  escaped  them — 

To  this  thou  must  agree. 

No  thing  was  e'er  created 

By  man,  and  man  alone — 
The  very  thought  thou  thinkest, 

God  gives  thee  now  to  own; 
Conception  is  receiving 

And  fostering,  law  on  law, 
The  thought  which  God  created 

And  full  fruition  saw. 


54 


m 


All  Power  that  was,  or  is,  sir, 

Or  may  seem  given  birth, 
Comes  straight  from  God  Almighty, 

Be  it  in  heav'n  or  earth; 
Then  be  not  quite  so  haughty, 

But  choose  a  lowly  place — 
Humility  becomes  us 

Who  live  but  by  His  grace. 


THE  VACATION  PROBLEM 

The  summer  days  again  are  here, 

And  make  one  glad  vacation's  near; 
Where  best  to  spend  it  who  can  know? 

The  list  of  places  seems  to  grow; 
Attractions  varied,  promise  charms, 

At  seashore  points,  and  inland  farms; 
Now  better  not  in  haste  decide — 

Regrets  might  then  the  spirit  chide. 


55 


Resorts  along  the  sea's  cool  shore 

Claim  sports  peculiar  by  the  score; 
The  white-brimmed  waves'  majestic  roll 

Makes  music  for  a  pleasant  stroll; 
The  salt-breeze  proves  a  tonic  fine, 

And  fish  respond  to  hook  and  line; 
Again  returns  the  appetite, 

And  life  seems  bursting  with  delight. 

At  night  the  band  makes  music  sweet, 

And  those  who  dance  find  joy  complete; 
The  drift-wood  bonfire's  ruddy  glow 

Makes  ghostly  shadows  come  and  go; 
The  "clam-bake"  parties  laugh  and  sing 

'Til  sea  and  earth  and  welkin  ring — 
No  grinding  cares  their  minds  infest, 

And  mirth  swells  every  heaving  breast. 


56 


Convention's  rules  are  set  aside, 

Flirtations  there,  but  few  will  chide; 
Voluptuous  sights  oft  meet  the  gaze — 

Restraint  seems  scarce  a  voice  to  raise — 
Extravagance  seems  quite  the  thing; 

And  hard-earned  savings  soon  take  wing; 
Yet  lack  of  means  is  ne'er  confessed — 

The  home-trail's  shown  to  such  distressed. 

E'en  dreams  of  this  may  fascinate — 

Such  times  are  good  to  contemplate — 
But  pause  a  moment — thus  be  fair. 

Let  inland  life  its  charms  declare; 
The  curse  of  this,  our  modern  way, 

Is  rushing  through  life's  passing  day — 
For  stimulation  calls  for  more, 

And  beggars  Nature's  bounteous  store. 


57 


Here  flowers  bloom  in  mossy  dell, 

And  song-birds  unmolested  dwell, 
While  fruited  bush  and  leafy  tree 

Make  overtures  so  restfully; 
The  city's  din  is  now  forgot — 

All  seem  contented  with  their  lot — 
The  war  for  gain  seems  useless  strife, 

For  all  Man's  needs,  earth's  harvest's  rife. 

One  ponders  on  an  early  day; 

When  man  lived  in  an  easier  way — 
When  there  was  much  less  to  be  done 

'Twixt  early  morn  and  setting  sun; 
These  hardy  men — their  hearts  were  true, 

But  books  and  luxuries  were  few — 
That  out-door  life  full  vigor  lent — 

In  simple  rounds  their  days  they  spent. 


58 


Their  guns  unwritten  laws  enforced, 

For  honor  in  their  blood-veins  coursed — 
Their  wives  were  loyal  helpmates,  too, 

And  kept  the  vows  their  whole  lives 

through ; 
The  landlord  knows  some  thrilling  tales, 

And  thus  his  guest  he  oft  regales — 
And  twilight  hours  too  soon  are  past, 

And  sleep  must  claim  its  own  at  last. 

'Tis  hard  to  make  a  choice, 

Since  both  their  claims  have  given  voice — 
The  inland  mountains,  rivers,  farms, 

Are  quite  as  great  as  seashore  charms; 
Just  toss  up  a  coin,  and  then  abide 

By  its  chance  fall — and  thus  decide! 
But  it's  very  expensive  far  to  roam, 

So  better  be  wise  and  stay  at  home. 


MOTHER'S  SONG 


Soft  the  silver  stars 

Nestle  in  Heaven's  breast, 
Soft  the  mating  birds 

Chirp  to  their  cosy  nest; 
Soft  the  fresh'ning  dew 

Shines  on  each  flower-head, 
Soft  the  Angel  Hosts 

Watch  o'er  my  baby's  bed. 

Refrain 

Good-night  glows  the  sun, 
Good-night  laps  the  sea, 
O  mother's  lamb, 
Sleep  peacefully; 
Smile,  ever  smile, 
And  never  cry — 
Be  brave  and  be  true! 
Lullaby,  lullaby. 


60 


Kind  the  evening  breeze 

Tenderly  fans  my  dear — 
Guardian  canine's  sighs, 

Tell  baby  friends  are  near; 
Kind  the  father's  kiss, 

Strong  man  so  quick  subdued, 
Kind  the  shrine  of  home, 

With  perfect  love  imbued. 

Refrain 

Dream  the  dreams  that  bless — 

Life  is  a  passing  dream, 
Temporal  things  must  end — 

So  keep  thy  face  a-beam; 
Time  may  make  thee  old — 

Keep  thou  thy  trusting  smile, 
God  will  love  thee  still, 

And  keep  thee  all  the  while. 

Refrain 


61 


CONSTANT 

City  throngs  are  hastening  by, 

Seeking  pleasures  new ; 
Alone  am  I  though  in  their  midst, 

While  I  am  away  from  you. 

Scenes  both  strange  and  wonderful, 
Cease  not  all  day  through; 

Yet  nought  can  quell  the  loneliness, 
While  I  am  away  from  you. 

Music,  drama,  gala  things, 

Pleasure's  great  ado — 
But  my  little  world  is  blank  and  void, 

While  I  am  away  from  you. 

Glad  the  hours  spent  by  your  side, 

Soothing  their  review; 
Sweet  content  can  ne'er  return, 

While  I  am  away  from  you. 


62 


FATHER'S  SONG 

Sleep,  little  atom  of  life, 

Shadows  are  lengthening  fast — 
Twilight  has  come, 

The  world  is  at  home, 
The  long  day  has  finally  passed; 

Now  close  your  innocent  eyes — 
Dear  little  form,  be  at  rest — 

When  need  shall  appear, 
Your  mother  is  near, 

We'll  love  you  and  tend  you  the  best. 

Rock-a-bye,  hush-a-bye, 
Faithful  watch  we'll  keep; 

Rock-a-bye,  hush-a-bye, 
O  precious  off-spring,  sleep. 


63 


1 


Sleep,  little  motherless  babe — 

Time  brings  its  sorrows  and  strife; 
Death  soon  has  come, 

And  called  mother  Home, 
Your  best  friend — and  my  darling  wife; 

O  growing  image  of  her — 
Now  must  I  cherish  you  more — 

Your  mother's  sweet  soul 
Held  Heaven  its  goal, 

Her  spirit  will  unction  outpour. 

Rock-a-bye,    hush-a-bye, 
Mem'ry  faith  will  keep; 

Mother's  soul  hovers  near, 
To  sing  our  grief  to  sleep. 


64 


•>^. 

I 


BY  THE  FIRE-PLACE 

When  the  days  are  getting  shorter, 

When  the  nights  are  long  and  chill, 
W  ith  my  cares  and  work  forgotten, 

And  the  whole  world  hushed  and  still — 
Then  I  love  to  make  a  fire, 

Watch  the  flamelets  dance  and  race, 
For  things  are  mighty  cozy, 

By  the  fire-place. 

I  love  to  have  a  friend  or  two 

To  make  the  deal  complete — 
Shoes  off,  cocked  on  an  extry  chair, 

We  toast  our  weary  feet; 
A  bowl  of  pop-corn  sittin'  near, 

While  time  slips  by  apace, 
Why  folks,  it's  awful  cozy, 

By  the  fire-place. 


65 


Pretty  soon  some  nice  quotation, 

Comes  a-singin'  through  his  head — 
A  clean  and  sweet  potation, 

Whose  charm  is  quickly  spread; 
I'll  bound  I'll  give  an  answer, 

A  match  for  his  in  grace — 
Dad  Time's  a  grand  romancer, 

By  the  fire-place. 

Then  my  friend  may  tell  a  story, 

Course  I'll  try  to  do  as  well— 
We'll  both  be  in  our  glory, 

Just  a-weavin'  fiction's  spell; 
I'll  read  some  book  of  poems — 

Prose  animates  his  face — 
A  man  gets  stout  but  younger, 

By  the  fire-place. 


66 


We  may  tell  the  joys  and  sorrows 

That  have  figured  in  the  past, 
Speculate  on  our  Tomorrows — 

But  tears  may  start  at  last — 
In  those  glowing,  ruddy  embers, 

Fancy  paints  an  absent  face — 
There's  a  comfort  one  remembers, 

By  the  fire-place. 

Bye  'n'  bye  it  comes  to  bed-time, 

And  I  wind  the  clock  and  say, 
"Nine  more  hours  an'  we'll  be  facin' 

Another  little  day; 
But  b'gosh,  'twill  soon  be  over, 

Back  again  our  steps  we'll  trace — 
Spend  another  pleasant  evenin' — 

By  the  fire-place." 


67 


AN  OLD  MAID 

Anna's  eyes  were  tender  brown, 

Anna's  heart  was  kind, 
Shapely  brows  that  would  not  frown, 

Pure  and  strong  her  mind; 
Edgar  saw  the  beauty  sown, 

Bright  and  worthy  he — 
Took  her  heart  and  gave  his  own, 

For  one  were  they  to  be. 

Sickness  led  her  far  away — 

Both  their  hearts  were  true — 
Anna  ne'er  forgot  to  pray, 

God  gave  health  anew; 
Then  they  planned  that  he  should  come, 

Claim  her  for  his  bride — 
Bring  his  pretty  sweetheart  home, 

And  honeymoon  the  ride. 


68 


Anna  blossomed  like  a  flower — 

Lovelier  grew  each  day — 
Glad  she'd  yield  him  all  her  dower, 

Why  should  he  delay? 
Trains  arrived — yet  came  not  he — 

Letters  came  instead — 
Froze  her  blood  the  words  to  see — 

Her  lover — then — was — dead! 

Anna's  breasts  are  plump  and  warm — 

Anna's  arms  are  round — 
All  about  her  graceful  form, 

Feminine  charms  are  found ; 
Sympathetic,  kind  and  true, 

Is  this  gentle  maid, 
Virtuous  Woman — through  and  through, 

Whose  ideals  never  fade. 


Look  into  her  cheery  face, 
You  would  never  guess — 

Nought  can  e'er  the  pain  erase — 
'Waiting  his  caress; 

Stifled,  yearning  for  his  touch- 
Things  that  ne'er  can  be! 

Though  men  offer  over-much, 
"Old  Maid"  she'll  please  to  be. 


PASS  ON  BELOVED 

Pass  on  beloved;  as  we  sadly  gaze 

Upon  thy  face  so  still  in  its  last  sleep, 
Our  minds  are  filled  with  thoughts  of  bygone 

days, 
And  though  against  our  wills  we  bow  and 

weep; 

Yet  not  for  thee  our  bitter  tears  now  fall — 
Ah,  not  for  thee  this  ache  in  heart  and 

mind — 

But  for  the  severed  ties — this  cruel  pall : 
That  we  must  wait  our  turn,  and  stay 
behind. 

Pass  on  beloved;  though  beyond  the  veil 

Our  straining  eyes  in  vain  will  seek  to  see; 
Upon  that  unknown  stream  thou'lt  safely  sail; 

Thy  captain  is  the  Christ  who  died  for  thee; 
We  would  not  call  thee  back,  again  to  take 

Thy  heavy  load  of  burdens,  crosses,  pains, 
In  God's  good  time,  we  know  that  thou  shalt 
wake, 

Where   sin    is    not — where    Love   forever 
reigns! 


71 


F 


Pass  on  beloved ;  words  with  comfort  rife, 
To  us  float  down  the  years  His  peace  to 

give: 
"I  am  the  Resurrection  and  the  Life! 

He  that  believes,  though  dead,  yet  shall  he 

live! ' 
Good  Shepherd,  keep  us  in  the  years  to  come, 

So  that  we  shall  attain  yon  fairer  shore, 
And  may  they  be  found  waiting — welcoming 

Home — 
Our  dear  departed  who  have  gone  before! 

Chorus 

Pass  on  beloved,  take  thy  rest — 
The  world  is  poorer  by  thy  loss — 
But  ransomed  souls  for  aye  are  blest 
Who  mustered  out  with  Calv'ry's  Cross! 


72 


A  NEGLECTED  GARDEN 

Alone  am  I — all  joy  is  gone! 

Yet  who  can  ease  this  bitter  pain? 
Since  he  no  more  my  flowers  can  take, 

They  die  as  if  for  lack  of  rain. 

O  why  has  Fate  thus  treated  me — 
What  have  I  done  to  merit  this? 

No  price  would  I  refuse  to  pay 

Could  I  once  more  receive  his  kiss. 

O  ring  no  more  your  solemn  bells, 

Nor  leave  me  idle  and  alone, 
A  soul  can  live  a  thousand  hells 

Through  viewing  loss  of  love  just  known! 

Roll  back  the  curtains  of  the  day, 
And  let  the  sun  shine  warm  and  clear; 

Tell  me  that  he  for  aye  is  safe, 
And  that  his  soul  is  hovering  near: 

Or,  if  perchance  he  liveth  yet, 

He  will  come  back  o'er  stream  and  field, 
Care  for  his  garden  as  of  old — 

For  him  alone  'twill  sweetness  yield. 


73 


"AUNT  SUSIE'S"  BIRTHDAY  PARTY 

The  world's  eternal  course  brings  year  on 

year — 
Summers  of  buoyant  life,  winters  so  bleak 

and  sere; 

The  thirty-eighth  mile-post  I'll  pass  today, 

But  my  blood  is  warm  and  my  heart  is  gay; 

My  five  years'  teaching  of  dear  "Class  Ten" 

Has  made  me  happy  and  young  again — 
Its    twenty-six    members — I'll    carve    each 

name 
In  mem'ry's  sacred  Hall  of  Fame. 

With  joy  I  gaze  into  each  beaming  face, 

And  love  this  source  of  courage  for  life's 

race, 
And  hope  each  heart  has  found  some  pow'r, 

Some  faith,  new-born  each  searching 

hour — 
The  influence  here  spread  forth,  a  stay 

To  cheer  to  noble  acts  the  strenuous  day — 
The  mighty  truths  sincerely  taught 

The  Good  Book's  news — salvation  bought. 


74 


1 


la 

m 


Thus  your  "Aunt  Susie's"  heart  is  full  today, 

It  brims  with  love  and  joy,  and  now  would 

Pay 
A  tribute  to  God,  who  gives  all  good — 

Our  friends,  our  raiment  and  our  food ; 
So  girls  and  boys,  we've  gathered  here 

To  take  this  feast  and  quaff  this  cheer — 
For  innocent  pleasure  is  ne'er  amiss, 

And  saints  need  have  no  shame|for  this. 


YEARNING 

Dear  little  maid  with  soul  so  true, 
Tell  me  how  to  be  good  to  you: 

'Tis  sweet  to  remember,  and  hard  to  forget, 
And  say,  little  girl,  regard'st  me  yet? 

Dear  little  maid  with  velvet  hand, 

Show  me  the  way  to  Fulfilment  Strand; 

Give  me  the  keynote,  and  teach  me  to  sing, 
That  over  your  soul  a  charm  I  may  bring. 

Craving  to  know  the  things  you'd  prize — 
Longing  to  see  as  through  your  eyes, 

I'm  ready  to  love  whate'er  you  esteem, 
Meet  you  half  way,  and  travel  up-stream. 

Coziest  maid  that  ever  man  knew, 

Hungry  is  this  heart  for  you; 
O,  how  can  I  ever  your  favor  attain, 

That  night  shall  ne'er  find  me  so  lonely 
again? 


5 


76 


Bonnie  of  person,  dainty  of  mouth — 
Sweet  as  roses  from  the  South, 

This  homeless  heart  can  know  no  rest, 
'Til  anchor'd,  welcome,  on  your  breast. 

Dear  little  maid  with  soul  so  true, 
Tell  me  how  to  be  good  to  you! 

O  how  can  I  ever  your  favor  attain, 
That  night  shall  ne'er  find  me  so  lonely 
again? 


77 


LOST 

Thou  didst  not  please  to  choose  me  thy 

companion, 
And  make  our  lives  one  endless  summer 

day; 

Pledged  life  of  care-free  ease  was  our  un 
doing — 
All  paths  are  rough  if  love  smooths  not 

the  way ; 

As  long  as  life  shall  last  I  will  remember 
The  happy  fleeting  hours  I've  spent  with 

you; 

There  is  nowhere  for  me  to  flee  for  comfort — 
In  lonely  grief  I'll  tread  life's  journey 
through. 

So  a  sigh  for  you,  and  a  sigh  for  me, 
And  a  prayer  for  grace  through  grief  to 
smile; 

A  tear  for  the  bliss  we  ne'er  may  know — 
O  say,  little  girl,  what  is  worth  while? 


78 


What  mad  delights  were  mine  had  I  but  won 

you, 
And  Oh,  how  kind  and  thoughtful  I'd  have 

been! 
I'd  ne'er  have  changed  with  time,  but  always 

cherished, 
Til  reaper  Death  my  sheaves  should 

gather  in. 
The  beauteous  flowers  bedeck  the  summer 

meadows, 
And  birds  to  heav'n  their  songs  of  love 

outpour, 

But  what  is  beauty,  perfume,  song  or  riches, 
If  Love  hath  taken  flight  forevermore? 

So  a  sigh  for  you,  and  a  sigh  for  me, 
And  a  prayer  for  grace  through  pain  to 
smile; 

A  sob  for  the  bliss  we  ne'er  shall  know — 
O  say,  little  love,  what  is  worth  while? 


f 


79 


1 


RETALIATION 

He  that  knocks  and  runs  away 

May  live  to  knock  some  more  next  day — 
But  he  who  slanders  in  the  open 

May  live  to  wish  he  had  not  spoken. 
Some  take  vengeance  through  the  law, 

While  others  use  a  mighty  paw — 
But  the  meanest  bully  takes  a  crack 

At  helpless  folk  who  can't  fight  back. 

He  that  gluts  his  soul  with  "fun" 

Can  squander  money  by  the  ton. 
None  mourn  nor  worry  where  it  went  to, 

What  use  the  seller's  funds  are  bent  to — 
Neither  feels  accountable 

To  his  neighbor,  friend  or  foe — 
But  the  street-man's  ways  must  keep  in  line 

With  saints'  and  sinners'  judgment  fine. 


80 


Sweet  Spirit  of  love  and  tenderness — 

Gentle  ministrant  of  Mercy's  dower — 
To  the  selfish  thou  must  e'er  remain  un 
known — • 

The  ruthless  crush  thee  down  as  flowers 

full  blown; 
O  hapless  hour  when  on  this  earth 

Some  foul  animus  gave  mean  birth 
To  thy  disgraceful  counterfeit 

Which  all  mankind  should  scorn  and  hate. 

Ne'er  let  the  day  dawn  on  my  sight 

That  sees  me  shorn  of  sense  of  right — 
Nor  let  me  hold  by  chance,  or  strength,  or 
stress, 

A  thing  I  would  not  have  all  men  possess; 
For  envy,  thoughtlessness  and  scorn 

Make  full  many  a  life  forlorn — 
Distrust  and  selfishness  remove 

All  thought  of  Charity  and  Love. 


81 


A  PRAYER 

Once  more,  our  heav'nly  Father, 

We  come  to  worship  Thee  — 
Confess  our  sins  and  failures, 

And  ask  Thy  pardon  free; 
Thy  love  hath  gently  led  us 

Thus  far  upon  our  way, 
O  draw  us  ever  closer 

To  yon  eternal  Day. 

O  holy,  patient  Father, 

O  loving,  pitying  Son, 
Rejoice  we  now  and  ever 

For  all  that  Thou  hast  done; 
The  Peace  which  Thou  hast  given 

Is  ours  by  day,  by  night, 
And  death  is  but  a  tunnel 

That  ends  in  joy  and  light. 


A*  A* 


82 


1 


AN  EMPTY  PLACE 

Soft  was  the  touch  of  her, 
Sweet  was  the  kiss  of  her, 
Kind  was  the  way  of  her — 
Eula — my  Treasure. 

Dear  was  the  voice  of  her, 
Cheerful  the  light  of  her, 
Pleasant  the  sight  of  her, 
Eula — my  Treasure. 

Shone  the  clear  eyes  of  her, 
'Rose  the  perfume  of  her, 
Tender  the  breast  of  her, 
Eula — my  Treasure, 

Strong  was  the  mind  of  her, 
Quick  was  the  wit  of  her, 
Great  was  the  worth  of  her, 
Eula — my  Treasure. 

Blithe  was  the  heart  of  her, 
Godly  the  life  of  her, 
Pure  was  the  love  of  her, 
Eula — my  Treasure, 


83 


Black  was  the  hair  of  her, 
Brown  were  the  eyes  of  her, 
Graceful  the  lines  of  her, 
Eula — my  Treasure. 

Pain  had  his  will  of  her, 
Cruel  the  cross  of  her, 
Lonely  the  end  of  her, 
Eula — my  Treasure. 

Hard  was  the  death  of  her, 
Hard  was  the  loss  of  her, 
Jesus  the  Hope  of  her, 
Eula — my  Treasure, 


84 


DUTY 

Do  all  you  can  for  those  you  ought  to  love — 
Tis  thoughtfulness  and  service  that  best 

prove — 

Awaken!  realize  each  circled  dial — 
The  worth  of  what  'tis  yours  to  own  a  while; 
Bring  now  your  flowers,  the  praise  so  fitly 

said — 

'Twill  bless  the  living — cannot  cheer  the  dead; 
Let  men  deride  your  sentimental  spell — 
Stay  calm  and  know  that  you  are  doing  well. 

Do  all  you  can  for  her  whom  you  should  love — 
Each  fleeting  opportunity  improve — 
Be  gentle,  kind  and  tender  while  you  may — 
Regrets  cannot  bring  back  this  passing  day; 
And  if  she  craves  for  admiration's  balm, 
Deny  her  not,  but  lie  without  a  qualm 
If  need  be — such  sin  will  God  condone — 
Her  happiness  will  for  that  blot  atone. 


¥ 
gj 


Do  all  you  can  for  those  you  ought  to  love — 
O  rather  be  dumb  than  in  haste  to  reprove — 
About  those  blunders  which  you  now  deplore, 
You'll  some  day  cry,  "Come  back  and  make 

some  more!" 

No  harshness,  just  or  unjust  is  forgiven 
By  self  when  death  these  ties  for  aye  has 

riven — 
O  cherish  those  who  love  you — crave  your 

love — 
And  God  will  smile  a  blessing  from  above. 


86 


THE  WANING  HONEYMCX)N 

A  mood  of  discontent — Oho,  I  see! 
You're  not  as  happy  as  you  used  to  be — 
The  wife  seems  not  as  charming  as  of  old — 
Love's    getting    somewhat    tiresome — guess 

you're  sold ; 

So  many  a  girl  you  see  upon  the  street, 
Appears  more  fair,  more  absolutely  sweet — 
A  better  dispositioned,  cleverer  dame, 
Than  the  little  woman  who  now  bears  your 

name. 

I'm  proud  to  find  you  just  as  good  a  man 
As  on  the  day  your  married  life  began — 
It's  pretty  hard  to  see  your  comrade  fade, 
Let  go  the  bloom  of  youth — look  like  a  jade, 
Of  course  you've  let  her  shift  the  furniture, 
Do  all  the  chores,  your  comfort  to  insure — 
Such  exercise  could  only  do  her  good — 
She  raised  your  babes — but  such  is  mother 
hood! 


87 


tl 


She  might  have  had  a  little  better  show 
To  've  kept  her  looks  if  she'd  have  hoed  your 

row — 

But  friend,  if  that  sleek  woman  you  admire 
Were  indeed  your  wife — you'd  have  to  make 

the  fire — 

Do  chores,  be  driven  slave  instead  of  boss — 
Your  homely  comforts  would  surely  suffer 

loss; 

A  part  of  one's  good  looks  is  in  the  clothes — 
Does  your  wife  own  a  decent  pair  of  hose? 

Your  mouth  may  fairly  water  as  you  dream 
About  the  graceful  form  you  just  have  seen — 
But  could  you  know  the  facts  both  plain  and 

nude, 

Your  true-souled  bed-mate  is  at  least  as  good; 
Besides,  some  lovely  creatures  have  no 

heart — 

No  warmth  of  soul — let  not  your  faith  de 
part— 

You've  got.the  sweetest  girl  you  ever  knew — 
She  had  to  be  to  wed  the  likes  of  you! 


88 


LOVE  S  ARCH 

Renew,  my  love,  the  fire 

That  once  did  burn  so  bright, 

Upon  the  altar  of  your  heart, 

And  happiness  invite; 

For  love  is  a  treasure  few  possess — 

Without  it  life  is  comfortless; 

I'm  glad  you're  back — but  can't  you  see, 

That  things  are  not  as  they  used  to  bel 

Tis  not  our  portion  here, 

In  full  to  realize 

The  tender  ideals  of  our  youth — 

Our  plans  we  should  revise; 

For  disappointment  breaks  the  heart, 

When  one  expects  too  fine  a  part; 

O  heart  of  mine,  respond  to  me, 

And  have  things  now  as  they  used  to  be. 


89 


As  long  as  there  are  coals, 

Among  the  smouldering  heap, 

As  great  a  fire  as  hearth  can  hold 

Re-fed,  can  wake  and  leap! 

If  aught  there  is  I  yet  can  do, 

But  tell  me  dear — you'll  never  rue — 

Perfect  Loves  Arch  and  jojn  with  me — 

Let's  have  things  now  as  they  used  to  be! 

Your  head  on  my  shoulder  lay, 

Let  mine  incline  o'er  yours — 

Hands  clasped  and  one  arm  holding  close, 

Complete  response  assures ; 

Foundation  built  of  deathless  faith, 

Love's  Arch  shall  stand  'til  Time's  a  wraith! 

Each  live  for  the  other,  whate'er  life's  lea — 

Lets  have  things  now  as  they  used  to  be. 


WHAT  ARE  WE  LIVING  FOR  ? 

"Is  life  worth  living?"  the  workers  ask, 
As  they  go  about  their  irksome  task; 
Each  generation  comes  and  goes, 
And  sees  increase  in  Problem's  woes; 
Within  the  factories,  shops  and  mines, 
Are  faces  seamed  by  Dearth's  sure  lines; 
These  toilers'  homes  boast  comforts  few, 
In  vain  their  bairns  for  culture  sue: 
What  are  they  living  for? 

Look  in  upon  the  wealthy  class, 
Within  their  homes  or  as  they  pass 
On  boulevards,  'mid  pomp  and  show, 
Where  poorer  folk  can  never  go; 
How  hard  they  seek  for  some  new  thrill — 
Some  way  to  pass  the  time  until 
Tomorrow  works  its  way  around — 
Relief  from  boredom  is  transient  found: 
What  are  they  living  for? 


91 


But  turn  unto  the  happiest  folk — 

The  middle  class — they'll  hardly  croak! 
They  have  their  share  of  joy  and  grief, 

Success  and  failure — all  are  brief; 
They  earn  enough  for  present  needs — 

More  than  enough,  but  worry  breeds; 
Yet  looking  back  o'er  years  and  days, 

The  woe,  they  say,  their  weal  out-weighs: 
What  are  they  living  for? 

Well — we  were  given  life  to  learn 

Great  lessons,  and  the  same  to  turn 
To  good  account;  t,he  privilege  ours, 

To  view  and  praise  Jehovah's  powers; 
To  rise  above  environment — 

In  virtue  always  to  augment; 
When  we  shall  gain  perfection  grand, 

We'll  then  be  fit  to  understand: 
What  are  we  living  for? 


92 


Til  then,  'tis  good  for  us  with  might 

To  hold  the  Truth — so  much  of  light, 
As  comes  to  us  from  day  to  day — 

To  help  somebody  on  his  way, 
By  precept  and  example  too, 

Our  humble  part  with  conscience  do; 
And  pilot  others  from  the  reef 

Of  Error;  oft  we've  said  with  grief, 
What  are  we  living  for? 

Though  wealth,  position,  fame  be  won, 

They're  but  a  sham — when  life  is  done, 
The  past  goes  by  in  swift  review, 

And  gazing,  one  sees  much  to  rue; 
He  who  is  useful — knows  the  Lord, 

Renounces  self,  and  loves  His  Word, 
Who  is  loved  of  friends — who  shirks  no  task, 

Succeeds  in  life;  and  ne'er  will  ask: 
What  are  we  living  for? 


93 


THE  GOSPEL  TRAIN 

Where  are  you  going,  trav'ler? 

The  night  is  wild  and  dark — 
The  road  has  many  pitfalls, 

And  woe  each  step  will  mark; 
O  Stranger,  go  no  farther 

Without  a  trusty  Guide, 
Calamities  await  you, 

Without  Him  by  your  side. 

Chorus : 

"All  aboard — all  aboard!" 

The  warning  words  sound  clear, 
"All  aboard — all  aboard!" 

The  leaving  time  is  here; 
No  more  trains — this  the  last! 

Get  your  ticket,  quick  decide — 
Arguing  time  now  is  past, 

In  heav'n  or  hell  abide! 


94 


There  is  one  name  under  heaven 

Whereby  you  can  be  saved, 
Tis  certain  Transportation 

To  where  streets  with  gold  are  paved ; 
Its  owner  gives  you  solace 

For  every  earthly  woe, 
With  trust  and  peace  surrounds  you, 

Wherever  you  may  go. 

Chorus 

Then  come  and  know  the  Savior 

Before  it  is  too  late, 
Come  now  and  claim  Salvation 

While  there's  an  open  gate; 
Come  quick!  the  bell  is  ringing, 

The  Gospel  train  may  go, 
O  do  not  wait,  my  brother, 
.   Eternal  death  to  know. 

Chorus 


95 


o 


LOVE'S  HOPE 

Yes,  somewhere  in  this  cold  and  selfish  world, 

A  heart  o'erflows  with  love  and  sympathy — 
Soft  lips  my  lingering  kisses  now  await, 

And  clinging  arms  would  open  e'en  to  me; 
Though  Stygian  darkness  rises  as  a  wall, 

And  Fate  has  robbed  of  every  helpful  thing, 
I'll  launch  my  cry — "Sweetheart!" — God 
speed  the  call : 

And  may  today  my  living  Answer  bring. 

I  scan  each  passing  face  with  anxious  eye, 

Reach  out  my  hands  at  every  spark  of  hope, 
And  yearn  for  her  who  will  not  pass  me  by — 

He  makes  mistakes  who  must  in  darkness 

grope! 
I  haven't  much  to  offer  to  you  dear, 

Just  love  and  home — appreciation  due — 
Who'll  say,  "He  gives  enough  who  gives  his 
all"— 

I  need  her  now — sweet  lady,  is  it  YOU? 


96 


^<s. 


DO  YOU  EVER  THINK  OF  ME 

O  maid  of  velvet  lashes, 

And  eyes  of  winsome  brown, 
Your  charms  my  heart  have  captured 

And  torn  its  armor  down. 
Do  you  ever  think  of  me? 

Will  you  deign  my  plight  to  see? 
Hazy  dawn  'til  purple  twilight — 

Do  you  ever  think  of  me? 

Gentle  maid,  with  voice  of  music, 

And  soul  both  sweet  and  true, 
Days  and  nights  o'erflow  with  goodness 

When  blessed  by  dreams  of  you. 
You  are  all  the  world  to  me! 

Can  captive  Captor  be? 
Gloomy  night  'til  rosy  morning — 

Do  you  ever  think  of  me? 


97 


WHILE  THOITRT  AWAY 

Bells  that  chime  o'er  the  waving  fields, 
Birds  with  their  thrilling  lay — 
But  how  can  the  world  with  music  ring, 
While  thou'rt  away,  away? 

Sunset-painted  skies, 
Mirrored  in  rock-bound  bay — 
But  what  can  a  sight  or  a  sound  rejoice, 
While  thou'rt  away,  away? 

Hills  and  dales  with  verdure  clad, 
Flowers  with  their  colors  gay; 
But  how  can  aught  a  charm  distill, 
While  thou'rt  away,  away? 

While  thou'rt  away — ah,  me,  my  sweet- 
Tears  and  sighs  hold  sway; 
For  what  can  a  spark  of  comfort  bring, 
While  thou'rt  away,  away? 


li 


98 


EXULTATION 

How  come  such  roses  in  your  cheeks, 
How  come  your  mouth  with  honey  reeks? 
How  come  you  have  such  graceful  lines, 
Your  arms,  your  breasts  are  such  joy-mines? 
Reckon  some  bird  gave  you  his  voice, 
To  make  your  words  so  blithely  choice? 
Geraniums  hover  you  I  bet — 
'Cause  say — you're  mighty  sweet  to  pet! 

How  come  your  soul  so  kind  and  true? 
You  thrill  me  dearie,  through  and  through — 
If  this  whole  lovely  world  were  mine, 
I'd  humbly  bring  it  to  your  shrine; 
My  heart  keeps  singin'  all  the  day, 
Since  I  dared  ask — and  found  I  may 
Expect  to  have  you — needn't  fret — 
And  Gee — you're  mighty  sweet  to  pet! 


99 


IMPATIENCE 

My  heart  is  full  of  yearning, 

Mine  eyes  are  filled  with  tears; 
Wild  thoughts  my  brain  are  thronging, 

No  rest  my  spirit  cheers. 

I  hear  thee,  see  thee,  feel  thee, 

At  morn,  at  noon,  at  night; 
Thy  winsome  grace  and  lovely  face 
My  soul  fills  with  delight. 

The  day  is  long  and  dreary, 
Though  faithful  smiles  the  sun; 

With  grief  my  heart  is  weary — 
Would  God  the  task  were  done! 

Ah,  do  not  think  I  doubt  thee — 
'Tis  simply  hard  to  feel 

That  bliss  as  great  as  having  you 
Shall  not  be  dreamed,  but  real. 


100 


¥ 

H 


KATHLEEN 

Sweetheart  Kathleen, 
Dear  little  queen — 
Happy  the  day  that  I  found  you ; 
Heaven  has  blest, 
Now  I  can  rest, 

Love  in  his  meshes  has  bound  you; 
Though  the  path  may  wind, 
Fate  seem  unkind, 
Within  your  arms  still  joy  I'll  find. 

Refrain 

Sweetheart  Kathleen,  my  true  love, 
'Round  you  my  arms  I  twine — 
Fresh  as  the  dew-dipped  roses, 
Glad  in  the  sun's  warm  shine; 
This  world  o'erflows  with  beauty, 
How  can  a  heart  repine? 
Pleasant  the  path  of  duty — 
God  keep  you  ever  mine! 


m 


101 


Mother  so  dear — 

Dad  I  revere — 

Both  in  yon  church-yard  are  sleeping; 

Old  homestead  gone, 

Kinsfolk  all  drawn, 

Far  from  old  scenes  memory's  keeping} 

But  while  some  may  please, 

The  world  to  roam, 

We'll  choose  the  joys  of  "Home,  sweet  home. 

Refrain 


102 


THE  JOYS  OF  SUMMER 

The  season  Queen  of  all  the  year, 
When  all  things  at  their  best  appear, 

When  airs  are  soft  and  skies  are  clear, 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

Then  sports  and  pastimes  multiply, 
Then  leisure  hours  go  hastening  by, 

Then  work  is  tackled  with  a  sigh, 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

The  fishing  seems  all-fired  good, 

The  birds  are  calling  from  the  wood, 

You'd  hasten  out  there  if  you  could, 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

But  since  you're  bound  to  stay  at  home, 
While  those  more  lucky  shirk  and  roam, 

You'll  get  the  hose  and  soak  the  loam, 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 


103 


= 

The  purse,  indulgence  still  denies — 

Since  action  always  mollifies, 
You'll  vent  your  spite  by  swatting  flies; 

O  the  joys  of  summer! 

That  fellow  had  his  trunk  all  packed, 
And  ticket  bought — no  speed  he  lacked, 

But  left,  just  as  he  was  attacked — 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

A  fly  is  sure  a  mighty  pest — 

He's  there  to  tease  when  you  would  rest 

He  thinks  your  pawing  but  a  jest : 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

Some  epidemic  we  should  start, 

To  give  Sir  Fly  a  failing  heart, 
Or  Meningitis'  mighty  dart — 

Augment  the  joys  of  summer! 


104 


iBss** 


Whoever  read  of  "Flies  Sun-struck!" 

"Appendicitis  has  'em  stuck!" 
What  human  had  that  much  good  luck? 

O  the  joys  of  summer! 

Now  one  of  summer's  greatest  joys, 

Is  getting  up  a  crowd  of  boys, 
And  camping — far  from  city  noise; 

O  the  joys  of  summer! 

So  thus  you  rest  your  weary  soul, 

On  a  cot  right  width  for  a  barber-pole, 

While  skeeters  take  their  nightly  toll : 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

These  river  skeeters  seem  to  be, 
Some  form  of  wing-ed  elephantry, 

With  a  spike  on  the  end  of  his  trunk,  by  gee! 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 


105 


The  fish  bite  best  when  you're  alone — 

Such  selfishness  we  may  condone; 
The  boat  from  camp  you  softly  sneak, 

To  some  snug  cove  'way  up  the  creek; 
At  noon,  some  Rube  you'll  think  to  bilk, 

Out  of  some  food,  or  at  least,  some  milk; 
It  seems  the  old  man's  gone  to  town — 

The  girls  are  home! — yes,  you'll  sit  down! 
Since  daddy  won't  be  home  'til  dark, 

'Tis  sure  a  first  class  chance  to  spark; 
Of  course  you  know  the  way  to  camp! 

Remain  for  supper — your  'vantage  tamp: 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

At  last  the  good  old  man  appears, 
And  ah — the  time  for  parting  nears! 

'Tis  hard  to  tear  yourself  away, 
But  hope  to  come  again  next  day; 

So  back  toward  camp  you  bravely  start, 
With  whistled  tune  and  happy  heart; 


106 


You  think  you'll  take  a  shorter  cut — 
You  tie  the  boat  and  start  off — but — 

Somehow  the  woods  seem  mighty  dark, 
'Taint  like  walking  through  a  park — 

A  fallen  tree — a  pool —  such  luck! 
You  stumble — fall  right  in  the  muck : 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

If  your  camp  friends  should  see  you  now, 

They'd  swear  you'd  flirted  with  a  sow. 
You  dig  the  junk  from  out  your  eyes, 

And  wish  that  you  had  been  more  wise — 
Regret  you  stayed  'til  after  dark; 

Such  grewsome  shades  and  noises — hark! 
Your  flesh  creeps — heart  thumps — erect  your 
hair: 

Perhaps  yon  thing's  a  grizzly  bear! 
About  worn  out  with  bumps  and  fright — 

My  goodness  gracious,  what  a  night — 
At  last  you  find  the  blessed  camp, 

And  sneak  to  bed  without  a  lamp : 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 


107 


When  morning  comes  you  square  yourself, 

By  telling  how  the  woodland  elf 
Had  treated  you  the  night  before — 

Which,  though  amusing,  made  you  sore; 
But  after  breakfast,  get  the  gun, 

And  see  if  hunting's  any  fun; 
You  see  a  squirrel — miss  your  aim — 

Give  chase  and  almost  catch  the  game; 
But  city  feet  are  clumsy  junk — 

You  get  them  tangled,  and — ker-plunk! 
A  beehive-pillow's  not  the  thing — 

A  while  your  face  rides  in  a  sling: 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

The  farmer's  girls  must  wait  in  vain — 
One  can't  be  nice  when  in  such  pain; 

Besides,  your  looks  would  make  them  laugh — 
You're  in  no  mood  to  take  their  chaff; 

Folks  say  that  berrying's  lots  of  fun, 


108 


Although  it's  warm  out  in  the  sun; 
But  as  you  pick,  a  garter  snake 

Decides  his  leave  he'd  better  take; 
You  see  him  move,  and  yells  out-pour; 

It  might  be  an  asp  or  a  constrictor! 

So  up  you  jump  and  run  for  life — 

You  seem  no  kin  to  old  Lot's  wife : 
O  the  joys  of  summer 

In  swimming  breeches  now  essay, 

To  sport  some  idle  hours  away; 
Get  sun-burned,  all  a  cherry  red — 

The  hide  peels  off  from  hips  to  head ; 
Then  is  aught  in  the  way  of  dress, 

An  abomination  of  heaviness: 
A  farmer's  orchard  you  invade — 

Harsh  sounds  the  welkin  soon  pervade — 
When  you're  in  the  top  of  the  tallest  tree, 

The  farmer  turns  his  game-dogs  free; 
By  such  small  Space  you  win  the  race, 

You    should    sit    down — yet    can't    with 

grace: 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 


109 


A  drizzling  rain  sets  in  next  day — 

So  in  the  tent  you're  doomed  to  stay; 
The  guy-ropes  shrink — up  come  the  stakes — 

You  drive  them  back  'til  the  mallet  breaks; 
All  go  to  bed,  but  in  the  night, 

The  wind  starts  blowing  with  ripping 

might — 
The  blooming  tent  comes  dripping  down — 

The  rain  beats  in  as  if  to  drown! 
Wet  matches  mean  no  fire  or  light — 

Sit  'round  and  shiver  all  through  that 

night — 
And  rain  all  food-stuffs  sure  denies; 

The  nearest  town?    About  five  miles: 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

So  all  agree  to  start  for  home — 

Tis  safer,  'neath  a  solid  dome; 
As  from  the  depot  with  load  you  go, 

A  crowd  is  spied  up  Newspaper  Row; 
Perhaps  there's  something  great  to  see — 

The  President — or  a  dog-fight  free: 
First  bulletins  of  how  our  team 

Is   showing   York   giants   some   base-ball 
steam; 


110 


So,  rushing  madly  up  the  street, 

You  feel  distressed  when  loafers  greet 
Your  haste  with  jeers — a  sorry  deal — 

Just  a  man  been  killed  by  an  automobile! 
Go  home — pray  for  sense — this  life's  whole 

show, 

Is  but  a  blooming  farce  you  know: 
Like  the  joys  of  summer! 


THY  FACE 

O'er  hill  and  vale  the  rising  sun, 
The  gloom  of  night  doth  chase — 

So  care  and  grief  now  flee  before 
Thy  sweet  and  holy  face. 


Ill 


I  WILL 

Brother,  life's  day  is  short — 

Eternity  has  no  end; 
You  should  claim  salvation  now, 

Judgment  day  you'll  need  a  Friend; 
Jesus  gave  his  blood  for  you, 

Jesus  is  a  friend  who's  true; 
Brother,  how  can  you  stay? 

Renounce  the  world  and  say : 

Refrain 

I  will  heed  the  Savior's  knock, 

And  become  one  of  his  flock ; 
Since  he  now  forgives  the  past, 

With  the  Cross  my  lot  I'll  cast; 
I  will  take  the  manly  stand, 

Turn  from  sin,  do  God's  command; 
I  will  answer  while  I  may — 

I  will  yield  my  soul  today. 


m 

I 


112 


Jesus  is  at  the  door — 

O  fail  not  to  let  him  in; 
You  should  take  him  for  your  guide, 

It  is  death  to  live  in  sin; 
You  cannot  be  saved  by  tears, 

Give  no  mind  to  mortal  fears; 
Trust  Him  and  strive  and  pray, 

Come  up,  dear  soul,  and  say: 

"I  will,"  etc. 

Satan  will  strive  to  hold — 

His  triumph  is  now  at  stake; 
Every  day  his  fetters  grow, 

Break  them  while  you've  power  to 

break ; 
Say  not,  you  are  free  from  sin — 

Mortal  man  has  never  been: 
Vaunt  not  your  pride  today, 

Take  sides  with  Christ,  and  say: 

"I  will,"  etc. 


mm* 


113 


GRAY  BALLAD 

Still  hold  thy  lamp  dear  friend, 

Before  mine  eyes — 
A  wealth  of  comfort 

In  its  glimmer  lies; 
How  soon  the  selfish  friendship 

Fades  and  dies! 
Would  I  might  ever  keep 

These  holier  ties — 
Still  hold  thy  lamp. 

In  youth  and  prime,  both  road 

And  sky  are  clear — 
No  dearth  to  hinder — 

Plenty  far  and  near; 
When  all  is  changed  and  age  stands 

Stark  and  sere, 
One  gropes  about  and  counts 

A  welcome  dear. 
Still  hold  thy  lamp. 


114 


The  light  of  friendship  cheers 

The  darkest  way — 
When  constantly  it  sheds 

Its  blessed  ray; 
The  noblest  acts  are  those 

Not  done  for  pay — 
I've  nought  to  give  but  yet 

I  humbly  pray: 
Still  hold  thy  lamp! 


115 


CONSOLATION 

Turn,  turn  to  me — whatever  be  thy  burden — 
Strive  not  to  keep  thy  grief  within  thy 

heart ; 
When  trouble  comes,  the  shallow  all  forsake 

thee— 
Constancy  bids  me  do  a  kinder  part! 

Though  selfish  men  have  niched  thy  precious 

treasures — 

Taken'thine  all,  and  left  thee  lost  and  lone — 
Call,  call  to  me!     with  zeal  and  haste  I'll 

answer, 
Thine  to  command  is  all  I  am  or  own! 

Come,    dear  one,    come;   relieve   thy   bitter 

heartache — 

Welcome  art  thou — let  love  this  tribute  pay ; 
I'll  understand,  with  insight  swift  and  gentle — 
These  loving  hands  would  wipe  thy  tears 
away. 


UNREGENERATE 

The  doctor  sez  my  stummick, 
Has  got  plumb  out  o'fix, 

My  liver  has  done  wasted — 
Seeds  jam  my  ap-pen-dix. 

My  skin  keeps  on  a  yallerin', 
My  lease  is  hastenin'  by, 

In  short,  I'm  totely  founderin,' 
From  too  much  berry  pie. 

I  wish  that  my  Creator 
Had  made  old  Adam  keep 

Right  in  the  straight  and  narrow, 
An'  let  his  senses  sleep. 

But  since  he  chose  the  habit 
Of  cravin'  things  too  high, 

I  feel  I've  got  excuses 
For  wantin'  berry  pie. 


Now  when  life's  day  is  over — 
All  done  with  hopes  and  fears — 

The  fashion  is  to  tender 

Sweet  flowers  and  salty  tears. 

I  wish  my  friends  would  do  this, 

The  day  before  I  die, 
And  let  their  fond  affections 

Be  'spressed  in  juicy  pie. 

I'll  then  climb  in  the  coffin, 

Without  a  qualm  or  sigh, 
And  take  the  plunge  full-stummicked, 

With  'nuff  of  berry  pie. 


118 


FEAR 

Thou  blighting  viper  from  a  Dante's  hell — 

Imbued  into  the  mind  from  infancy, 
To  rob  of  peace,  reduce  man's  potency, 
To  hurt  the  health,   make  failures,   ring 

Faith's  knell : 
And  when  thy  growth  no  force  attempts  to 

quell, 

Thy  vantage  shows  in  greater  vacillancy, 
Unchecked,  to  culminate  in  maniacy: 

No  quarter  ever  marks  thine  influence  fell ; 
Thou'st  been  so  sly,   thou  ne'er  wert  seen 

'til  late, 
But  now  thou'rt  known,  thou'lt  find  man 

dares  defy; 

Except  he  yield,  no  power  can  separate 
That  soul  from  God  who  strives  from  sin  to 

fly; 

By  prayer,  by  will,  this  curse  annihilate — 
O  dragon  Fear,  now  and  forever,  DIE! 


119 


« 


SINCE  THOU  ART  GONE 

Since  thou  art  gone,  the  restful  sky 

Hath  lost  its  lovely  blue, 
No  more  have  bells  a  thrilling  sound, 

Nor  flowers  a  charming  hue. 

Since  thou  art  gone  I  wait  and  wait, 

And  listen  all  the  while, 
O  how  I  long  thy  step  to  hear 

And  see  thy  loving  smile. 

Since  thou  art  gone — this  body  seems 

A  worthless  mass  of  clay — 
Life's  endless  round,  but  vapid  dreams, 

That  keep  Friend  Death  away. 

Since  thou  art  gone — if  God  there  be, 

That  heedeth  human  grief- 
He '11  soon  call  thence  my  mangled  soul 
And  send  the  grave's  relief. 


120 


Since  thou  art  gone  I  grope,  I  fall, 

I  wonder  who  I  am, 
And  what  existence  here  is  for, 

And  what  the  end  of  man? 

Since  thou  art  gone — O  Faith,  stand  by! 

Oh,  leave  me  not  alone — 
There  is  a  God — He'll  hear  my  cry — 

And  some  day  call  me  home. 

Home — where  moth  and  rust  eat  not, 
Nor  thieves  break  in  and  steal — 

Where  mortal  woes  are  all  forgot, 
And  Christ  all  wounds  doth  heal! 


121 


AN  OLD  STAFF 

'Tis  many  a  mile  we've  been,  my  wooden 

friend — 

Mere  rosewood  stick — yet  oft  I  apprehend, 
You  have  a  grain  of  consciousness — a  heart — 
For  how  could  aught  that's  dead  play  such  a 

part? 
Few  men  can  claim  acquaintance  broad  as 

mine, 

Yet  not  a  soul  among  the  human  kind, 
Has  been  as  brave  as  you  and  free  from 

blame, 
Sweet-scented  staff  that's  earned  a  worthier 

name. 

'Twas  forty  years  ago  my  sweetheart  Fay, 
Gave  you  to  me  that  happy  Christmas  Day — 
Your  graceful  crook  lay  snug  about  my  arm — 
An  ornamental  thing — a  guard  from  harm; 
Outside  my  reach  you  scarce  have  been  since 

then, 

And  may  you  never  pass  beyond  my  ken — 
E'en  when  'tis  time  to  lay  me  'neath  the  soil, 
I'll  clasp  you  still — true  friend  through  play 

and  toil. 


m 


122 


Aha!  but  we  did  make  those  ruffians  fly. 
That  stormy  night — they  thought  no  help 

was  nigh 
And  sought  to  'sault  my  Fay  or  take  her 

purse — 
She  ran,  but  fell — which  made  the  matter 

worse; 

I  hasted  fast  as  e'er  legs  took  a  man, 
And  swung  my  rosewood  stick  as  few  men 

can — 
I  knocked  their  weapons  from  their  hands  and 

beat 
Them  into  ignominious  retreat. 

You  helped  me  win  my  sweetheart  for  my 

wife — 
You've  helped  me  in  a  thousand  sorts  of 

strife : 

In  youth  the  touch  that  made  me  feel  well- 
dressed — 

A  source  of  calm  to  help  me  do  my  best; 
And  now  in  feeble  age,  my  trusty  stay, 
That  aids  my  crumbling  castle  on  the  way — 
I  won't  feel  quite  at  home  in  yon  bright  land, 
Unless  my  rosewood  stick  be  in  my  hand. 


123 


FRIENDSHIP 

Thou  wert  ever  good  and  kind — 
Therefore  have  I  called  thee  Friend; 

Thou  hadst  me  often  in  thy  mind- 
No  wound  thy  gentle  tongue  did  send; 

No  selfish  purpose  taught  thy  ways — 
No  subtle  greed  e'er  bribed  thy  heart; 

In  looking  back  I  bless  those  days 
And  sore  regret  that  friends  must  part. 

Kinship  is  no  guarantee, 

Those  whom  birth  hath  placed  close  by 
Will  hold  their  interest  pure  and  free 

And  seek  thy  good  with  single  eye; 
But  thou  wert  faithful,  noble  soul, 

And  kindly  just  from  year  to  year; 
Thou  heldst  thine  aims  to  higher  goal 

Than  victories  over  Friendship's  bier. 


124 


Sorrow  came — thy  comfort  too; 

Shame  accused — yet  thou  didst  trust; 
My  early  efforts,  crude,  you  knew, 

Yet  strengthened  me  with  upward  thrust ; 
No  matter  hid  I  from  thy  gaze — 

A  guide  wert  thou  of  firmest  mien; 
In  every  way  thou'st  earned  fair  praise — 

A  truer  friend  hath  man  ne'er  seen. 

Father  mine,  and  mother  dear — 

Brother,  sister,  neighbor,  wife — 
In  whomsoe'er  these  traits  appear, 

I  see  the  sprite  that  sweetens  life; 
What  though  this  trusting  heart  may 
break 

From  faithlessness  of  one  loved  friend, 
Yet  I  will  know  and  solace  take 

That  time  another  sure  will  send. 


125 


Thou  hast  e'er  been  good  and  kind — 

Therefore  have  I  called  thee  Friend; 
No  fears  or  doubts  assail  my  mind — 

No  loss  or  change  I  apprehend; 
But  though  one  friend  should  fickle  be, 

Or  flail  the  heart  with  coldness  new — 
Thanks  be  to  God  I  plainly  see, 

The  Spirit  of  Friendship  aye  is  true. 


126 


m 


WATCHER'S  SONG 

Jesus  is  coming — O  hear  the  glad  word, 
The  like  of  it  has  not  for  ages  been  heard — 
Then  come  precious  Saviour,  and  come  noble 

King, 
A  few  souls  are  ready  Thy  welcome  to  sing. 

Jesus  is  coming — O  happy  the  day — 
False  doctrines  and  mystery  will  vanish 

away; 
All  creeds  and  religions  He  will  merge  into 

one, 
Possess  all  His  vineyards,  thou  husbandman's 

Son. 

Jesus  is  coming — but  how  will  He  come — 
Descend  from  the  heavens  with  trumpet  and 

drum, 

With  shouting  archangels  and  fiery  cloud, 
Convincing  at  once  both  the  humble  and 

proud  ? 

Jesus  is  coming — O  what  would  we  do, 

If   He   should   come   meekly   when   nobody 

knew? 

Would  we  be  like  children  or  apostles  of  old, 
Accept  His  new  gospel  and  enter  His  fold? 


127 


Jesus  is  coming — then  come  blessed  Christ — 
The  worth  of  thine  advent  could  not  be  o'er- 

priced ; 

Conviction  place  on  us,  the  Truth  let  us  see, 
That  nothing  can  keep  us  from  knowing  'tis 

Thee! 

Jesus  is  coming — O  hasten  the  hour, 

When  sin,   pain  and  sorrow  shall  no  more 

have  power; 
There's   nothing   we   hold   but   we'd   gladly 

release, 
To  gain  us  a  place  in  Thy  Kingdom  of  Peace. 


128 


DEATH 

Behold  an  enemy  worthy  of  thy  steel! 
Prepare  to  quit  thee  as  becomes  a  man: 
Nerve  up  thy  courage,  lest  thou  flinch  or  reel : 
Be  thou  content  to  meet  this  racial  ban; 
Since  man  is  born  to  hardship,  grief  and  pain, 
Why  feel  regret  this  fickle  world  to  leave? 
Has  any  pleasure  proved  too  good  to  wane? 
In  what  can  man  perfection  here  achieve? 

Farewell  proud  earth — too  well  indeed  thou'st 
feigned 

To  be  God's  good  creation — man's  estate. 

And  thou  wert  fair,  'til  Disobedience  strained 

The    Creature's    standing — and    deserved 
this  Fate; 

If  atheistic  claims  be  wholly  true, 

Then  no  Hereafter  makes  the  dead  dis 
tressed  ; 

If  pain  and  sorrow  cease,  there's  naught  to 
rue, 

And  Death  is  but  a  means  of  perfect  rest. 


129 


nsi 


All  things  through  Death  are  transitory  made ; 
His  authority  is  absolute — his  call 
Quite  irresistible.     This  grewsome  shade 
At  last  has  triumphed  since  old  Adam's  fall. 
That  Death  is  but  a  birth,   there  is  some 

chance — 

And  not  a  greater  change  than  embryos  know, 
When  forced  from  ease  to  full  inheritance, 
Yet  of  their  previous  life  no  memory  show. 

Away  with  Dread — away  with  Doubt,   my 

soul! 
Hold  fast  the  sheaves  thou'st  gleaned  from 

earthly  dross! 
For  One  came  down  from  heaven  to  fix  thy 

goal— 
To  show  the  way — and  buy  thee  through 

His  cross; 
Beyond  such  mercy's  reach  thou  canst  not 

fall- 
Though  justice  be  too  good  for  such  as  thee — 
But  trust  in  Him — thy  times  can  bring  no 

gall; 
By  Faith,  thou'lt  soon  be  done  with  Mystery! 


130 


HEAVEN 

Sure,  Heaven  is  a  state  of  consciousness: 

Existing  therefore  wholly  in  degree; 
Where  God  is,  there  is  lasting  happiness, 

For  all  who  love  both  right  and  equity; 
E'en  in  this  transient  little  world  of  ours, 
There  are  so  many  deep  and  wondrous 

things — 
So  much  to  learn  that's  quite  beyond  our 

powers, 

Who  dares  fore-judge  thy  Heaven,   thou 
King  of  kings! 

In  this  short  life,  rejoicing,  we  have  used, 

Each  added  power;  with  Him  as  we  unfold, 
With  joy  we'll  see  God's  gracious  gifts  in 
fused, 

Eternal  progress  in  ourselves  behold ; 
For  then  as  now,  He'll  give  to  every  one, 

More  than  he  can  in  full  appreciate; 
We'll   own   the   friendships   dear,    on   earth 
begun — 

Renew  old  ties,  no  more  to  separate. 


131 


"But  where  is  Heaven?"  some  doubting  one 

inquires; 

Shun  idle  talk — thy  first  concern  should  be 
To  know  the  Lord;  to  live  as  He  requires, 
Accept  His  Christ  and  strive  the  Truth  to 

see; 

"Believe  and  ye  shall  never  die!"  Tis  writ — 
Then  know,  the  righteous  merely  taste  of 

death — 
The  wicked  suffer  it.    Sown  in  the  pit 

The  seed  must  die,  to  heed  Life's  quicken 
ing  breath. 

"But  where  is  Heaven7"  some  doubter  still 

may  ask; 
'Tis  that  fair  place  where   mansions  are 

prepared ; 
Man  enters  in  the  outer  courts  to  bask 

In  glory's  light  when  he  no  pains  has  spared 
To  get  in  harmony  with  Deity. 

The  overcomers  leave  this  plane  at  once  to 

go 

To  Life  and  Service — wholesome  piety — 
While  others  sleep  a  thousand  years  or  so. 


132 


FORGET-ME-NOT 

No  letter  comes  from  you  my  dear — 

So  soon  have  you  forgot? 
In  these  sad  eyes  there  shines  a  tear — 

Sweet  friend,  forget-me-not! 

Oh!  would  that  I  within  your  heart, 

Had  gained  so  warm  a  spot, 
To  treat  me  so,  such  pain  would  start, 

You  would  forget-me-not. 

May  Time  twine  roses  in  your  hair, 

A  thornless  path  allot — 
Of  all  that's  good  a  bounteous  share, 

And  Faith — forget-me-not! 

Thy  "f are- thee- well"  was  sweet  and  kind, 

With  hope  these  lines  I  jot — 
Again  to  come  before  your  mind 

And  say —  "Forget-me-not!" 


133 


GOOD-BYE 

'Tis  time  to  part — how  dear  those  hours 
We've  spent  in  fellowship  divine! 
Both  work,  and  recreation's  flowers, 
Made  sweet  by  Friendship's  holy  wine; 
For  when  our  tongues  no  words  have  found, 
It  just  seemed  good  to  have  you  'round — 
The  all-wise  God  alone  can  know 
How  hard  it  is  to  let  you  go — 
Good-bye,  sweet  friend. 

We've  each  desired  the  'other's  weal — 
Sought  to  bring  out  the  very  best 
That  in  us  lay;  thus  both  may  feel, 
All  those  who  have  such  friends  are  blest; 
Ah  yes!  'tis  mighty  hard  to  part, 
And  bitter  tears  will  often  start; 
The  future's  veiled  from  us  indeed — 
How  much  may  each  the  other  need! 
Good-bye  sweet  friend. 


134 


Not  everyone  may  we  well  call 

By  the  sacred  name  of  friend — alas! 

Few  have  much  depth — when  known  they 

pall, 

And  into  kind  oblivion  pass; 
My  purpose  perfect  in  all  things 
Is  your  sweet  faith — such  joy  it  brings; 
Your  loss  an  aching  void  will  leave 
Reunion  only  can  retrieve: 
Good-bye  sweet  friend. 

I'll  sadly  miss  your  cheery  smile, 
The  lingering  hand-clasp,  ready  ear, 
Your  tender  sympathy,  free  from  guile, 
That  understanding,  rare  and  dear; 
Yet  these  not  more  than  that  fine  trait 
Which  condoned  my  failings,  ne'er  did  prate, 
Yet  sanctioned  not;  in  heaven,  I  ween, 
There's  naught  to  mar  or  intervene: 
Good-bye  sweet  friend. 


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